Artists’ Statement

“Europa” is based on several scenes from the play Refugio, written by Miguel Del Arco, in which the most prominent themes are corruption and the dire situation of refugees who embark in a new life in Europe. The title is based on the Greek myth of Europa, which the central character, Farid, references in the story to exalt the image of a mythological land that stands in stark contrast to present day Europe. As Farid seeks refuge from his own corruption and the problem that plagues his waking thoughts: the death of his wife and child, who drowned in the ocean in the past as they tried to reach the promised land. Farid is tormented by memories of the past and the present, as he is in search for the sanctuary that he so desperately seeks — eternal silence of his dead wife. When Sima, his wife, haunts the thoughts of Farid, he is blaming himself for their drowning. Sima haunts his thoughts to remind him that he chose to save his own life instead of saving the lives of his loved ones. In that way, Farid is blaming himself for their deaths, because the character that haunts his thoughts is simply a figment of his imagination. He tells himself: “I returned to life to hopelessly long for death.” With this line, the man accepts that he will not find refuge in his corrupt life, but in death.